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2025 Program

Person in a shiny cowboy hat has their back to the camera, at Party in the Paddock 2025, photo by Ruby Procter

How Festivals are Building Communities & Driving Renewal

Speakers

Sarah Ndiaye in a blue shirt standing in front of some beer tanks

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye

Mayor of Byron Shire

Jesse Higgs in a purple suit and hat at music festival Party in the Paddock

Jesse Higgs

Founder & Artistic Director, Party In The Paddock & Vibestown Productions

Olly Arkins

Managing Director, Australian Festival Association (AFA)

Tara Medina smiling and wearing a white long-sleeved shirt

Tara Medina

Co-Founder & Director, Strawberry Fields

Guy Grey smiling, standing outdoors

Guy Grey

Artist-Organiser, Tropical Fruits Inc

Dr Christen Cornell

Research Fellow & Manager of Research Partnerships, Creative Australia

How Festivals are Building Communities & Driving Renewal

From paddocks to town halls, regional festivals are more than celebrations — they’re catalysts for connection, creativity, and renewal. This session brings together festival organisers, government representatives and researchers to explore how community-led festivals strengthen regional identity, support local economies, and create lasting social and cultural impact.

Photo: Party in the Paddock 2025 by Ruby Procter.

Speakers

Guy Grey smiling, standing outdoors

Guy Grey

Artist-Organiser, Tropical Fruits Inc

Dr Christen Cornell

Research Fellow & Manager of Research Partnerships, Creative Australia

Tara Medina smiling and wearing a white long-sleeved shirt

Tara Medina

Co-Founder & Director, Strawberry Fields

Jesse Higgs in a purple suit and hat at music festival Party in the Paddock

Jesse Higgs

Founder & Artistic Director, Party In The Paddock & Vibestown Productions

Sarah Ndiaye in a blue shirt standing in front of some beer tanks

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye

Mayor of Byron Shire

Olly Arkins

Managing Director, Australian Festival Association (AFA)